Vela sets new career high with 13th goal for Real Sociedad

The Mexican and Real Sociedad forward broke his personal scoring mark and tallied his 13th goal of the season Saturday in his side's vital 4-2 triumph over UEFA Champions League quarterfinalist Malaga.

Vela had scored his previous high of 12 goals during the 2011-12 season while on loan with Sociedad from Arsenal. He reached his new landmark in the 21st minute of the victory that created a four-point separation between Sociedad and Malaga in the all-important race for fourth place and La Liga's final place in next season's Champions League competition.

Vela opened the scoring by being in the right place to fire home a rebound off a saved header from a corner kick, striking from close range and finishing into an empty net. He leads Sociedad with his 13 goals, which are tied for seventh-most in La Liga this season.